ESA is looking for new astronauts

Until now, physical disabilities have been an exclusion criterion for employment as an astronaut:in. Within the framework of a Parastronaut Feasibility Project, however, these hurdles are to be removed. To that end, ESA is already working with international and commercial partners to adapt hardware to meet needs, for example. Applications are invited from individuals who have the psychological, cognitive, technical and professional qualifications, but who have a physical disability. The application deadline for this project is May 28, 2021, with results expected to be announced in October 2022.

Applications to become an astronaut at ESA can be submitted from March 31, 2021 to May 28, 2021. As usual, high requirements apply in order to be accepted into the Corps. Prerequisites include:

• citizenship of an ESA member state (Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Ireland, Norway, Austria, Finland, Portugal, Greece, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Romania, Poland, Estonia, Hungary) or of an associated state (Canada)
• at least a Master's degree in science, medicine, engineering, mathematics or computer science
• or graduation as an experimental test pilot and/or test engineer from an official school for experimental test pilots
• at least 3 years of relevant work experience after graduation
• fluent in English

Applicants do not need to be in possession of a pilot's license. However, a medical certificate from an aero-medical expert is required, stating that the applicant is qualified for the private pilot license (PPL).

The selection process is divided into different phases, which are planned as follows:

Full details of the application process can be found on the "Your way to Space" application page, which was launched when the application period began on March 31, 2021.

Currently, seven astronauts belong to the European Astronaut Corps. All but Matthias Maurer were accepted on May 20, 2009, and have already spent time in space. Maurer is scheduled to replace Thomas Pesquet (ISS Expedition 65, launch with SpaceX Crew-2 in April 2021), but will fly to the ISS with SpaceX Crew-3 in fall 2021 at the latest.

via: European Space Agency, NKS.Raumfahrt